01 Feb 2018 | 11:35 AM UTC
Chile: Wildfires in Santiago, Araucanía, Los Ríos, and Los Lagos
24 wildfires ongoing in Chile as of late January 31, including in Santiago, Araucanía, Los Ríos, and Los Lagos regions
Event
According to the National Emergency Office (ONEMI), there were 24 forest fires burning throughout the country as of 20:30 (local time) on Wednesday, January 31. Of the 24, 12 had been brought under control. The out-of-control fires were located in the Santiago region’s Isla de Maipo commune (red alert in place), in Araucanía region’s Ercilla, Angol, and Traiguén communes, in Los Ríos’s Mariquina commune, and in Los Lagos region's Calbuco commune.
Context
Forest fires are relatively common in Chile during the summer months. The country was devastated by a string of major forest fires in January 2017, which resulted in the deaths of 11 people, as well as the destruction of around 1500 houses and over 580,000 hectares (1.4 million acres).
Advice
Individuals in the above areas are advised to keep abreast of the situation and adhere to any instructions issued by the local authorities (e.g. evacuation orders).
